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February 28, 2006

Arguments on punitive damages continue in lead-paint case

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge today must decide whether to ask a jury to determine punitive damages against three companies found responsible last week for creating a public nuisance by selling lead-based paints in Rhode Island.

The punitive damages would add to what the three companies must pay to clean up, or abate, the lead-based paints found on an estimated 240,000 houses in the state. That cost alone could reach several billion dollars.

Lawyers for NL Industries, Sherwin Williams and Millennium Holdings are arguing that the companies should not have to pay punitive damages. After the company lawyers complete their arguments, Judge Michael A. Silverstein will hear from three state lawyers who insist punitive damages are appropriate.

Silverstein has told the jury to return to court at 2 p.m.

Posted by Jack Perry  at 9:00 AM | Permalink